Peru is a country in South America and home to the renowned Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan city high in the Andes mountains. The region around Machu Picchu including the Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail and the colonial city of Cusco is rich in archaeological sites.

The Sacred Valley along with the nearby town of Cusco and the ancient city of Machu Picchu formed the heart of the Inca Empire. Stretching roughly 60 kilometres it is an area of fertile farmland and Spanish colonial villages like Ollantaytambo. Cusco was once capital of the Inca Empire and is now known for its Spanish colonial architecture. Plaza de Armas is the central square in the old city with arcades, carved wooden balconies and Incan wall ruins. The baroque Santo Domingo Convent was built on top of the Incan Temple of the Sun Qoricancha and has archaeological remains of Inca stonework. In Cusco every corner tells a story and every story is captivating, mystical and inviting. Located on Peru’s Pacific coast is Lima the capital. It has a well preserved colonial centre and is home to an important collections of pre-Columbian art.

Still there is even more to Peru. It has been chosen as the world’s leading culinary destination at the World Travel Awards. Considered the Gastronomic Capital of the Americas, in Lima everything centers on food. And that is more than apparent in its excellent restaurants, bars and taverns where thousands of years of flavors are fused using ingredients from the coast, highlands and rainforest.

While in Lima it would be impossible not to try ceviche or a good pisco sour or savour the delicious kebabs known as “anticuchos” and visit the Central, Maido or Astrid & Gaston restaurants considered among the world’s best according to ‘The World’s 50 Best Restaurants’. A fascinating tour through aromas, textures and endless surprises for the senses.

Mystical, spiritual, cultural and culinary, the land of the ancient Incas offers so many diverse enjoyments and you can get a taste of it on this beautiful educational journey. Set out on a tour of Machu Picchu, recently named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Stand at the pinnacle of Incan power overlooking the ancient Lost City.

During your stay in the Sacred Valley you get to interact with a local community, a project that supports the livelihood of the inhabitants. You also learn about the work of a textile artisan and the inspiration behind the colourful materials that are prominent in this area.

Explore Cusco, the historical capital of Peru known as the navel of the Earth. Imagine walking through streets with names like “Ataúd” meaning coffin, “Siete Culebras” meaning seven serpents and “Arpías” meaning harpies. In these streets time seems to have stopped and every corner tells a piece of history. Get to know how Andean people understood the skies during a visit to the planetarium here.

In Lima, South America’s gastronomic capital, set your taste buds alight with freshly caught seafood, spicy roast chicken, skewers of grilled meats and exotic fruits. The culinary tour is certainly a most memorable experience because if there is one thing Peruvians take very seriously, it is food.

Flash Tour USA is offering a 7day/6 night FAM to Peru September 6-12, 2022. The cost is $1,280 ppdo. Click here for details.